Speed Limit Missing from nuvi 2597LMT

The speed limit is part of the map.

Since this is a used unit are you sure the map really was reinstalled? If the former owner didn't update the map in the last two years, lifetime maps is no longer good.

It seems that there may be no SD card since the device memory is almost full. If so, I would install an SD card and reinstall the map again.

Even if Garmin Express says that the map has successfully installed, that cannot be relied on.

Under myMaps it shows "CN North America NT 2022.25 All" as the current map, so I think it updated as normal. I registered the unit, so I don't think the previous owner registered it. If the lifetime maps are no longer any good, I suppose I could get the map subscription from my broken unit transferred. I don't have an SD card, so there may not be enough room. I have two 2595 units that updated fine with the same memory - almost full. I will get an SD card soon, but I am not sure that is the problem. The map size is exactly the same as in my 2595 units. If I reinstall the map, does it really replace the file? Do I need to delete the map file and try again?

See:

http://www.poi-factory.com/node/49038

I have three Garmin GPSs that I registered already and all of them still offer a "register" button in Garmin Express.

No need to delete the map. A reinstall overwrites the map, but there is no point in doing it again unless you get the SD card.

Several times my nuvi 3597 map install did not complete and Garmin Express said it did and the map name was displayed in MyMaps.

Once my Driveluxe 50 was doing crazy navigation after a map update. Again, all indications were the update completed properly, but did not. It took a hard reset and reinstalling the map to fix it.

Thanks! Once I get an SD card I will reinstall the map. It definitely has the new map (or most of it), recent changes to local roads show up and all the detail seems to be there except the speed limit. I don't know about school zones, but I expect they don't work. I really need to get SD cards for all my units. Thanks again, I will report back when I have the card installed. I will make sure I get a good SD card, not a fake Ebay one.

Go to a Best Buy. A 32 GB Sandisk is right around $10. Don’t go larger in capacity and don’t be sold on features like read/write speed. A larger capacity wouldn’t work in most Garmins and as far as read/write speeds they are pretty much meaningless at least with respect to a GPS and its capabilities. Format it before 1st use to FAT32.

Will do, thanks again!

This was a hot topic ten or twelve years ago but hasn't come up in a long time. For estimating arrival time and setting speed for different road categories during simulation mode, Garmin devices learn your driving habits and over time adjust these variables to match the learned driving habits. Since your unit is a used device, the previous owner must have been a habitual speeder, so those are the speeds that were learned.

Here is a thread from back in 2008 where this was discussed: http://www.poi-factory.com/node/17641

I bought a 32Gb SD card and formatted it to FAT32. I installed the card and reloaded the maps. I cleared the nonvolatile memory and also did a hard reset just to be thorough. When I run a simulated route, it still does not show the speed limit as my 2595 does. Everything else seems to be working properly. Not sure what to try next.

You ran a "simulated route". Did you take the unit out for a real drive?

To be clear your post is addressing the speed tab at the bottom left of the 2597 screen, It's not displaying how fast you are going? Or is the speed limit not showing on the maps when navigating? I have a 2597 and I can not duplicate your problem. When using the simulation mode my speed tab showed speed but not the posted speed.

Per Garmin support "Garmin devices have a speed limit indicator that will show you the posted speed limit on most major roads and highways".

My issue is not with the actual speed, but the posted speed limit. I tried it today going to a nearby city and the actual speed works fine, but the speed limit is still missing. Everything else appears to be fine. The 2597 is listed by Garmin as showing the posted speed limit. I tried the GPS using a route and without a destination, same results.

My 2595 (I have two) show the speed and the speed limit - both in simulations and actual use.

The speed limit is a part of the mapping. You are using Garmin Express to download your maps for the 2597 right?

Yes, I am using Garmin Express version 7.10.0.0 The JVC file is now on the SD card, but the map file is still on the GPS and the "date modified" did not change. It doesn't seem to have replaced the map file when I reinstalled the map.

On my 2689, fully up to date and admittedly not necessarily the same as your 2597, I have about 600 MB used and it is primarily made up of the following.

card has about 600 MB used

(3) Folders

Garmin
JCV (Folder) consists of (1) file D3191390A.jcv
gmapprom.gma
gmapprom.uni
gmapupdate.gsd

Map
D4919230A.gma
D4919230A.img
D4919230A.uni

System Volume Information

This really is an odd problem. I have a nuvi 3597LMTHD which is the same generation as your 2597. It is pretty much the same device with a higher res screen and a couple of additional features, but the basic operation and menu systems are pretty much identical.

I messed around with my 3597 in simulation mode to see if there were any settings I could change to make the speed limit disappear, but couldn't find anything. Of course some streets don't have speed limit data, but as soon as my simulation hit a major street or highway, the speed limit icon would pop up on the navigation screen. I don't really think there is any way to turn off the speed limit display.

So that makes me think your issue has to be corrupt files from the map update. One thing you could try is to use the cloning method to reinstall all the map files directly to an empty SD card. That way you can see exactly what files are being downloaded by Garmin Express for the map update. If everything on the SD card looks OK, you could do a test with almost all of these files left on the SD card. This requires moving some of the files and folders from the \.system folder on the SD to the \Garmin folder and temporarily renaming the comparable files in internal memory so they won't be recognized and loaded on bootup. The cloning procedure is pretty well documented in the cloning FAQ.

Thank you for the advice. I will try the cloning method. I had the same thoughts about a corrupt file.

Once you have downloaded all the map files to the SD card clone, compare the file names and sizes to the same files and locations in internal memory to see if there are any differences. In particular, look at files in \.system, \.system\JCV, \.system\SID, \.system\ASR and \.system\SQLite.

I went through the cloning procedure, but it is still missing the speed limit on a simulation - have not tried an actual route. I also checked the files in the directories suggested and did not see any differences other than that there was one additional file in the ASR and SQLite folders (In the GPS). I made sure the additional files were still present after cloning (and replacing other files in the above directories), but nothing has changed. Is it possible I accidentally deleted some other system file? It is very odd because the split screen works perfectly along with everything else.

I sent you a email on the contact form. Email back and I will show you screen shot of files listed under system for my 2597. Maybe get idea what to look for.

I compared my system folder files with those that Charlie sent me. Results:

Additional files on my GPS
gmappupdate.gsd
fm_sub.bin

Missing files on my GPS
Gmaptz.sum
gmapprom.sum
gmapbmap.sum

manifiest.txt is smaller on my GPS, 392kb comparted to 489kb

.sum files are checksum files and are tied back to some other file. So Gmaptz.sum relates to another file, likely a time zone file (“tz). The lack of checksum files is not an issue. They can be deleted without any issue; more importantly I doubt their absence is an issue.

You sure about the extensions.
Gmaptz.sum
gmapprom.sum
gmapbmap.sum

I show them as
Gmaptz.img
gmapprom.img
gmapbmap.img

I don't see anything there that would cause a problem.

The current software version for the 2597 is 5.50. Is that the version showing on your device? One thing you could try is to reinstall this software, or maybe even try installing the previous 5.40 version. I think the old Perry site is still around that has archives of most of the software versions on these older devices. If I remember correctly, the old WebUpdater program gives you an option to reinstall the software. I don't think Garmin Express has that option (but someone will correct me if I am wrong about that )

Edit: I just checked the Perry archive (https://web.archive.org/web/20200106153456/http://www.gawisp...). There are many software versions for the 2xx7 nuvis available there as .gcd files. Go to the nuvi folder on the perry site and scroll down to the file names that start with nuvi2xx7and2xx8_. You will see both the 5.40 and 5.50 software versions.

It has been a long time since I used a .gcd file, but if I remember correctly, the way you install it is to rename the file to GUPDATE.GCD and put it in the \Garmin folder (or maybe the \.system folder) on your nuvi. Then reboot and follow the prompts. If you already have a file named GUPDATE.GCD on your nuvi, back it up or rename it so you have a copy of your current software to reinstall in case you need it.

NOTE: There is always some risk involved of bricking your device when using these methods, so you will need to decide if you want to take that chance.

I suspect he is correct on the extensions "sum". As I mentioned these are very small files used to verify the validity of some other file. So I would suspect that Gmaptz.sum is used to verify the validity of what you call Gmaptz.img; same thing for the other two files. You may not necessarily have the .sum files; they can be deleted and often are never generated. There are ways to open .sum files but there is little reason her to do so.

More importantly he also should have

Gmaptz.img
gmapprom.img
gmapbmap.img

The .sum files on a Garmin device are checksum files that are created when you access the hidden diagnostic menus. They are not used for normal operation of the device and can be deleted.

I sent him the screenshot and no sum extension was included. The only thing close was the img extension. Would like for the 0P to clarify

Ahhh... good point Charlie ... in carefully rereading through the posts I see what you are concerned about.

In addition to the .sum files, Gmaptz.img, gmapprom.img
gmapbmap.img are all present. I tried several software versions going back as far as 4.70, but none affected the missing speed limit. I put 5.50 back and re-installed the maps again, still no speed limit. After the last reinstall, the .sum files are not present, probably because I did not access the developer menu after that installation. I noticed that the "map matching" screen under developer info shows "off road". This is probably normal, but I wondered if anyone knew what that screen is for. The GPS is not acting as if it were in off-road mode. The operating software is different from the GPS firmware (version 3.05.10). Is it possible to install an earlier version of the GPS firmware? What about an earlier version of the map?

I just looked at the manifest.txt file and found this:

0:/Garmin/DeviceConfig_SpeedLimits_Disabled.xml,67247a5d

Could this be my problem?

I don't know what the Map Matching screen on the developer menu is used for or what it is reporting, but my 3597 shows the same off-road designation like your 2597 so I don't think that indicates a problem. I think the firmware version you are referring to is probably the firmware for the GPS chipset. I don't think you probably want to mess with that and I doubt if changing it would affect the speed limit display.

I am kind of out of ideas. I can't remember if you have tried calling Garmin tech support yet, but that might be worth a try.

Under manifest.txt. That file is not on my 2597. If you get brave and remove it, make sure you have a copy of it to put back.

Manifest.txt is present on both my 2595 and 2597. I tried changing the "Disabled" to "Enabled", but it made no difference. I think manifest.txt is probably more of an output file than input configuration file. Under diagnostics, there is an html file that lists features. My 2595 shows speed limit, but my 2597 does not. I am starting to think that I have some odd version of the 2597 that did not include (disabled) speed limits. All the other features are listed. It looks like a call to Garmin support is about the last option.

Calling Garmin may be your best option. Have always had good service from them.

Let us know what they say?

I entered the serial number on the Garmin site and the model came up as Avis nuvi 2597. I used the Garmin chat support and they said generally that these could not be updated, but asked if I had access to install new maps. I told them I did and they suggested reinstalling the maps. I explained that I had tried that several times along with updating the software. They said there was nothing else to be done.

I think Avis must have ordered some units with the speed limit disabled for some reason - maybe a liability issue. That would explain the missing speed limit feature in the html file and the speed limit disabled in the manifest.txt file.

That sounds like a reasonable explanation/theory that Garmin could have issued a special edition of the device to Avis. Not the outcome you had hoped for though.

This GPS shows the Where2 logo on startup instead of the usual Garmin logo. I did a little more research. This was a special modified operating system for rental car companies. Too bad I can't find a way to make it like the normal unit, but at least everything else works and it updates properly.

To sum up: I was unfortunate to get this version, but lucky in that is does allow updates. If you look at a used GPS that shows the Where2 logo on startup - beware.

Sorry you didn’t come up with a fix but great work in determining the cause. If you still want a properly functioning unit, you might want to explore eBay, I see several units for attractive prices.

A sad result but thanks for all the effort in solving the issue since we now know what to look for and how to answer a question like this if it occurs again.

Thanks for all the help figuring this out. I couldn't have done it on my own. One last question - has any one tricked a GPS into thinking it was a different model? A 2597 could do everything a 2595 does (I think). My best guess is that nothing would work short of changing the chipset firmware, which may be impossible. When I was young, I was told I ask to many questions

You gave it a good try for sure. Looks like reinstalling the maps a no go. I was going to suggest trying Mapinstall. Who would have thought they had Garmin handhelds for Avis?

In my early days with the company I worked for I would need to call our tech support to get some help. I would question WHY they wanted me to do certain things or change certain parts. I asked them how they arrived at their conclusion so I would know in the future. They called my boss and told him I refused to do what they asked. Oh well.

It is even worse when you know what needs to be done, but tech support or your boss lack the knowledge to approve it, and will not listen to you. That happened to me with 3 professional engineers or supervisors in 3 different companies.

Just out of curiosity, when you backleveled the software versions, did they actually take? In other words when you rebooted with the back level gupdate.gcd file did you get the "updating software" message and did that version show up in the settings menu as the installed version?

As to your question about installing the software from a different nuvi model, I think that would be a bad idea and would most likely fail.

You could try flashing the software using the preboot/Cure3 methods. That is a long shot at best and probably won't help as the restriction is probably tied to the serial number.

... and the next review probably said "fails to adopt technology"

I recently acquired a nuvi 2597LMT. On a recent trip the speed limit box did not show for over 4k miles. After removing the 32gb SD card it now works with updated maps etc. After simulating a local route I put a new 16gb card in it and loaded some POI's using basecamp. Everything is still working fine and fully updated.

I'm not sure if these older units support larger cards. I verified the 32gb card I removed is a good card using mini partition tool.

Just adding my experience to the conversation.
My Best

Your nuvi will work with a 32Gb card. As for speed limit missing, note that not all roads will have a speed limit associated with them, in which case none will be shown

Same thing with my Pioneer in dash nav. It has speed limits for about 90% of the time but for some reason, there are some local roads that do not display anything. I can't imagine there being no speed limit for those roads so not sure why data is missing or maybe just not supplied from local government sources?